Pandemonium set to strike as Pan Extravaganza expands for Golden Crop Over

he National Cultural Foundation (NCF) anticipates a record-breaking turnout for the 2024 edition of Republic Bank Pandemonium, as the event cements its position as one of the most eagerly awaited attractions on the Crop Over calendar. Last year’s gathering drew over 30,000 patrons, and the organisers expect to surpass that figure this year.

Scheduled for Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m., the National Botanical Gardens will once again host this steel pan spectacular, marking its third instalment. While Pandemonium may be relatively new, the steel pan’s presence in Crop Over is deeply rooted in Barbadian culture and heritage.

Karen Pestaina, NCF’s event producer, emphasised the significance of pan during Crop Over’s golden jubilee. “As we celebrate this 50th year of Crop Over, it is crucial to merge a taste of the past with the solid foundation of pan’s future in one event,” Pestaina said.

The lineup promises a diverse musical feast, featuring local talents such as Calvary YPS Steelband, St Leonard’s Band & Choir, the all-female group Dejavu, Phoenix Steel, ZigE Walcott and Black Peppa, Euphony Steel, the Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra, the Crop Over 50th Anniversary Iron Massive Steel, and the Republic Bank Steel Band.

There will be live performances by Brucelee Almighty, Walkes, Lorenzo, Mikey, Nikita, Fadda Fox, Saddis, Biggie Irie, Lil Rick and Caribbean Soca Queen Alison Hinds. International guests include Trinidad’s Liam Hands Like Lightning , Teague and Boogsie with the XLR Band. The evening will culminate with a performance by the NCF’s 100-member National Youth Steel Orchestra, Barbados’ largest steel pan ensemble.

Beyond the music, attendees can look forward to a children’s play area, food vendors, and Island Smiles’ Crop Over-branded 360-degree photo booth to capture memories. The event not only celebrates Barbadian culture but also fosters regional connections, as evidenced by the participation of Jaden Nunez-Teague, son of Liam Teague, in the National Youth Steel Orchestra.

“[To have] Jaden Nunez-Teague perform this year with the National Youth Steel Orchestra, shows continuity of relations between the islands and region. Jaden has grown up in the artform with his father tutoring and similarly our juniors have had the opportunity to attend workshops from various artists and local tutors to reach the successes they have achieved”, Pestaina explained.

(BT/PR)